Happy Friday everyone,

Tryouts for many programs around the country are either just finishing up or about to happen. Today’s note is about handling cuts, adversity and why getting placed somewhere you didn’t hope might be exactly what you need.

For our southern readers — wait sorry, y'all are already in season (at least we are here in Texas). But the message applies.

We've had a big content week with a new podcast, YouTube video, and webinars coming out. Read on below.

Happy Friday ☕️,
Matt & Deemer

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Cuts are hard. For everyone involved to players, parents, and coaches. Today’s note is for anyone who’s been on the wrong side.

Cutting players is the worst part of the job as a coach. Most coaches I know spend more time deliberating on the roster than players probably realize. It is not always even about talent. Sometimes, it is a numbers game. Keeping 12 defenders just doesn’t make sense.

I say that not to make you feel better, but to de-mystify what can feel like a black box.

You ended up somewhere you did not expect. You are facing adversity.

I coach with Coach Pressler at Highland Park, and he talks a lot about lip service.

The idea is simple: what you say and what you do are two different things. Most people do not notice the gap until things get hard.

Adversity exposes lip service.

How you respond to getting cut, or any adversity, reveals your core character.

You cannot change the roster. You cannot go back and redo tryouts.

The only thing in front of you is how you show up inside whatever situation you are in now, whether that is JV, a different program, or training on your own.

Life doesn’t give you infinite opportunities to prove yourself. You are in a moment right now where you have an opportunity.

You've heard MJ got cut. To clarify, he got cut from varsity as a sophomore and played JV.

But still, it’s Michael Jordan we’re talking about here.

I also got cut from varsity basketball my sophomore year too. My coach told me I'd be better as a leader on JV than a benchwarmer on varsity. I thought it was lip service.

Halfway through the season, the varsity coach pulled me in and said he was disappointed in my assertiveness on JV. He reminded me that was the reason I was there.

Wow, what an incredible lesson.

Getting placed on a lower team isn't always a demotion. Your ego won’t like it. Mine didn’t. But usually, it's exactly where you need to be.

Admiral Stockdale said it best: never confuse faith that you'll prevail with the discipline to confront your current reality.

Back up your words.

You say you're tough? Tough players don't pout or blame. They're present and they make good decisions on and off the field.

You say you work hard? That's not conditional on getting what you want. Hit the wall daily. Watch film. Stay ahead in school.

You say you're accountable? Show up on time. Own your mistakes. No excuses.

We've seen juniors get cut and make varsity as seniors.

We’ve seen sophomores play JV and go on to become D1 All-Americans and professionals. It's possible, but only if you use this window.

Sports are one of the best microcosms for life there is. This moment isn't just about lacrosse. It's about who you're becoming.

Anyone can be confident when things go their way. But who are you when they don’t?

Coach Class and Coach Dunn

FCL Athletes Shea Baker (Boston College) and Madison Beale (Duke) take you through the ultimate women’s defensive workout.

This is a must watch for defenders!

✅ Want to see more workouts from our FCL Athletes? Check out our YouTube page for offensive and defensive workouts!

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